Irish SetterCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Irish Red Setter was developed in Ireland as a working gundog, from the Irish Red and White Setter and an unknown red dog. By the 18th century it was already a clearly recognisable type.

The Irish Red Setter Club was founded in 1882 and published the standard in 1886. Wikipedia says one of the first mentions of the “setter dog” appears in John Caius's book on British dogs, from 1570, and that the breed reached the United States in the early 19th century.

How the breed developed

• 1570 – John Caius describes the “setter dog”.
• 18th century – The red setter is already a recognised type.
• 1882 – The Irish Red Setter Club is founded.
• 1886 – The club publishes the breed standard.
• 22 December 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 1998 – The club publishes the breed's working style.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as racy and athletic, full of quality, with a kindly expression, balanced and well proportioned. The AKC says its long, muscular legs make it one of the fastest gundogs.

General appearance

The head is long and lean. On the head, the front of the legs and the tips of the ears the hair is short and fine, and on the body it is moderately long and flat. On the ears, the back of the legs, the belly and the tail it has long, silky feathering.

The colour is a rich chestnut, with no trace of black. The AKC says the breed is famous for its gleaming mahogany or chestnut coat. A little white on the chest, throat or toes is accepted.

The standard describes it as keen, intelligent, energetic, affectionate and loyal. The AKC says it is happy, affectionate and eager to please, and it appreciates having a job to do.

Training methods should be consistent, and sessions fun and interesting, so that it does not get bored. It responds best to positive, reward-based training and badly to harsh corrections.

Tips for effective training

• Make sessions fun. It gets bored easily.
• Use rewards. It does not respond well to harshness.
• Give it a job. It appreciates having work to do.
• Socialise it young. The AKC recommends puppy classes.

The AKC says that, like most gundogs, it needs plenty of exercise every day: long walks and play with its people, whom it adores. Dog sports use both its mind and its body.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits a very active family.
• Check the coat for burrs after walks.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the red coat should be brushed at least twice a week with a pin brush or a soft brush, and tangles worked out with a long-toothed metal comb. The nails should be trimmed monthly.

Common health problems

The AKC says Irish Setters are generally healthy, but breeders test their dogs, and owners should be aware of:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Trim the nails monthly.
• Brush its teeth regularly.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age and activity level, and watching for signs of bloat.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Descended from the red and white setter. The standard says it was developed from it and an unknown red dog.
• Very fast. The AKC calls it one of the fastest gundogs.
• “Sotar rua”. In Irish, the name means “red setter”.
• A written working style. In 1998 the breed club published the red setter's working style.
• Mentioned since 1570. John Caius described setters in 1570.

What colour is the Irish Setter?

A rich chestnut, often called mahogany.

How big does it get?

Males measure 58–67 cm and females 55–62 cm at the withers.

Is it good with children?

Yes, the AKC gives it the top score for children.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–15 years.